System for an adaptable handle to transport wheeled luggage

ABSTRACT

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for transporting wheeled luggage using a handle which adapts to the natural position of a user&#39;s hand, arm, wrist, or elbow, decreasing strain on a user pushing or pulling the wheeled luggage. In an embodiment, an adaptable handle may rotate and pivot. The adaptable handle may pivot by pivotably connecting a cross bar to a first retractable shaft and a second retractable shaft. The first retractable shaft and second retractable shaft may be inserted into a crossbar and the crossbar may pivot around the retractable shafts. The adaptable handle may be rotatably connected to the cross bar allowing the adaptable handle to rotate.

This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/881,378 filedJun. 29, 2004 which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10/446,207filed May 27, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a system for ergonomictransportation of luggage. In particular, the present invention relatesto a system for a rotating and pivoting luggage handle.

Typically, luggage may be used to transport personal belongings duringtravel. Many different types of luggage currently exist. For example,luggage may exist in many different shapes, sizes, and materials.Moreover, luggage may have several methods of opening and closing, forexample zippers or buttons. Many different techniques for transportingluggage also currently exist. Luggage may be carried, by hand orstrapped on a user's back, for example. Furthermore, a user may push orpull wheeled luggage along the ground.

Typically, wheeled luggage has two wheels attached to the bottom of theluggage unit. The wheels may be attached, for example, so when theluggage unit is angled or tilted with relation to the ground, a user maytransport the luggage by rolling the luggage unit along the ground.

Typically, the luggage unit has a handle which allows the user to pushor pull the wheeled luggage. The handle may be attached to the outsideof the luggage unit or attached as part of a retractable device. Modemwheeled luggage handles are generally part of a retractable device. Theretractable device typically consists of a plurality of extendableshafts, usually two, which extend from the luggage unit. The end of theextendable shafts which extends from the luggage unit are typicallyconnected by the handle. The handle is usually some sort of rigidapparatus which is incapable of adapting to a user's hand, arm, wrist,or elbow position.

The rigid, inflexible structure of modem wheeled luggage handles mayimpose stress on a user's hand, arm, wrist, or elbow or may compel auser's hand, arm, wrist, or elbow into an unnatural, uncomfortableposition. The luggage unit may become difficult, and even painful, for auser to maneuver.

Therefore, a need exists for a system for transporting wheeled luggagewhich adapts to the natural position of a user's hand, arm, wrist, orelbow. Such a system may allow easier maneuverability of wheeled luggagewhile also decreasing strain on the hand, wrist, elbow or arm of a userpushing or pulling the wheeled luggage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system fortransporting wheeled luggage using a handle which adapts to the naturalposition of a user's hand, arm, wrist, or elbow. An embodiment of theinvention comprises a ball joint mechanism for allowing rotation andpivot movement of the adaptable handle. The ball joint mechanismcomprises a ball joint connected to the adaptable handle by a handleshaft. The ball joint may be within a ball joint assembly. The balljoint assembly may be connected to a handle frame and the handle frameconnected to at least one retractable shaft.

The ball joint assembly contains a pivot channel to allow pivot movementof the adaptable handle. Moreover, the wheeled luggage may contain adocking recess to allow the adaptable handle and the handle frame toretreat into the wheeled luggage. The wheeled luggage may comprise atleast one shaft channel to allow at least one retractable shaft toretreat into the wheeled luggage. The wheeled luggage may also contain adocking recess to allow the adaptable handle and the handle frame tofold into the wheeled luggage. The ball joint may be connected to theadaptable handle by a screw and washer assembly. Furthermore, the balljoint mechanism may allow the adaptable handle to encompass a pluralityof rotation and pivot angles.

In an embodiment, a cross bar mechanism allows rotation and pivotmovement of the adaptable handle. The cross bar mechanism comprises theadaptable handle which is connected to a ball encased in a cross bar.The ball allows rotation of the adaptable handle. The cross bar isconnected to a plurality of end caps. The end caps allow the adaptablehandle to pivot.

Preferably, the adaptable handle may be connected to the ball by a selftapping screw. However, the adaptable handle may be connected to theball by any technique. A ball cover may also be used to cover the ballencased in the cross bar. The ball may be notched to allow rotation ofthe adaptable handle. The cross bar may be connected to the plurality ofend caps by plugs on the cross bar. Moreover, the plurality of end capsmay be connected to a plurality of retractable shafts, each retractableshaft being connected to a single end cap. The end caps may also beconnected to the retractable shafts by a self tapping screw. However,the end caps may be connected to the retractable shafts by anytechnique.

The wheeled luggage may also contain a docking recess to allow theadaptable handle to pivot between the retractable shafts and retreatinto the docking recess. The wheeled luggage may also contain a dockingrecess to allow the adaptable handle to pivot into the wheeled luggage.The cross bar mechanism may allow the adaptable handle to encompass aplurality of rotation and pivot angles.

In an embodiment, a cross bar mechanism allows rotation and pivotmovement of the adaptable handle. The cross bar mechanism comprises anadaptable handle which is connected to a cross bar by a fitted plug. Thefitted plug allows rotation of the adaptable handle. The cross bar isconnected to a plurality of end caps. The end caps allow pivot movementof the adaptable handle. The fitted plug may be tapered to allow thefitted plug to be inserted into a hole in the cross bar. The fitted plugmay also have a ridge allowing the fitted plug to lock into the crossbar upon inserting the fitted plug into the hole. The cross bar may beconnected to a plurality of end caps by plugs on the cross bar. Theplurality of end caps may be connected to a plurality of retractableshafts, each retractable shaft may be connected to a single end cap. Thewheeled luggage may contain a docking recess to allow the adaptablehandle to pivot between the retractable shafts and retreat into thedocking recess. The wheeled luggage may also contain a docking recess toallow the adaptable handle to pivot into the wheeled luggage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention inapplication.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention shown in aretracted perspective view.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention shown in anextended perspective view.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed perspective of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed perspective of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed perspective of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a detailed perspective of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a detailed perspective of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, certain embodiments are shown in thedrawings. It should be understood, however, that the present inventionis not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in theattached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100, which demonstrates an application ofthe present invention. The system 100 shows a wheeled luggage assemblyfor transporting wheeled luggage 10 using an adaptable handle 12. Thewheeled luggage assembly contains an adaptable handle 12 which may pivotor rotate. As shown in FIG. 1, the adaptable handle 12 of the wheeledluggage assembly may be attached to a retractable device, and theretractable device attached to a docking recess. Accordingly, thewheeled luggage assembly may retreat into the wheeled luggage 10.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system 200, which shows the wheeled luggageassembly and wheeled luggage 10 of FIG. 1 more closely. The wheeledluggage 10 is shown in a retracted view and has a lower wheeled end 23and an upper end 24. A handle frame 26 and the adaptable handle 12 areshown retracted into a docking recess 29 (not shown) within the wheeledluggage 10. The docking recess 29 may allow the adaptable handle 12 andthe handle frame 26 to retreat into the wheeled luggage 10, as shown.Alternatively, the docking recess 29 may allow the adaptable handle 12and the handle frame 26 to lay substantially flush with the exterior ofthe upper end 24 of the wheeled luggage 10. The adaptable handle 12 andthe handle frame 26 may fold, for example, to lay substantially flushwith the exterior of the upper end 24 of the wheeled luggage 10.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system 300, which shows an extended, perspectiveview of an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of thewheeled luggage assembly as shown in FIG. 3 is a ball joint mechanism350. The ball joint mechanism 350 allows the adaptable handle 12 torotate or pivot according to the position of a user's hand, wrist, arm,or elbow, for example. The ball joint mechanism 350 utilizes a balljoint 45 (not shown), among other elements, to allow the adaptablehandle 12 to pivot or rotate.

The docking recess 29, as discussed in FIG. 2, is shown in FIG. 3. Thewheeled luggage 10 is shown with two retractable shafts 31 extendingfrom the upper end 24 of the wheeled luggage 10. Although the preferredembodiment utilizes two retractable shafts 31, as shown in FIG. 3, anynumber of retractable shafts 31 may be used, including a singleretractable shaft 31. Corresponding shaft channels 32 (not shown) mayallow the retractable shafts 31 to retract into the wheeled luggage 10as shown in FIG. 2. The retractable shafts 31 are attached to the handleframe 26. The handle frame 26 is attached to a ball joint assembly 33.In an embodiment, the ball joint assembly 33 contains a ball joint 45(not shown). The ball joint assembly 33 and the ball joint 45, amongother elements, allow free rotation and pivot movement of the of theadaptable handle 12, thus allowing transportation of the wheeled luggage10 while allowing a natural, more comfortable, hand, arm, elbow, andwrist position for a user 14.

As used herein, the adaptable handle 12 rotates on an axis substantiallyparallel to the retractable shafts 31. Moreover, the adaptable handle 12pivots on an axis substantially perpendicular to the retractable shafts31. The adaptable handle 12 may pivot and rotate simultaneously allowingthe adaptable handle 12 to adapt to any hand, arm, elbow, or wristposition of a user 14. The retractable shafts 31, the handle frame 26,and the adaptable handle 12, may be extended as shown in FIG. 3 by auser pulling the adaptable handle 12, the handle frame 26, or theretractable shafts 31, out of the docking recess 29, for example.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system 400, which shows a detailed view of the balljoint mechanism 350, encircled in FIG. 3. The handle frame 26, theadaptable handle 12, the retractable shafts 31, and the ball jointassembly 33 shown in FIG. 3 are shown in detail in FIG. 4. Moreover, theball joint 45, mentioned with reference to FIG. 3, is visible in FIG. 4.In an embodiment, the ball joint 45 and ball joint assembly 33, amongother elements, allow the adaptable handle 12 to freely rotate.Moreover, the ball joint 45 and ball joint assembly 33 in combinationwith a pivot channel 44, among other elements, allow the adaptablehandle 12 to pivot. The ability of the adaptable handle to rotate orpivot allows the position of the adaptable handle to encompass aplurality of rotation and pivot angles.

The handle shaft 42 connects the adaptable handle 12 to the ball joint45. In an embodiment, the handle shaft 42 and the ball joint 45 are asingle piece. A screw 72 and washer 74 assembly (not shown) may connectthe ball joint 45 to the adaptable handle 12 by screwing the adaptablehandle 12 into the handle shaft 42. Alternatively, the handle shaft 42is not part of the ball joint 45. As such, the handle shaft 42 may bepart of the adaptable handle 12 or an independent piece 42. In anotheralternative embodiment, the adaptable handle 12, handle shaft 42, andball joint 45 are one piece. Accordingly, any technique to attach theball joint 45 to the adaptable handle 12 may be used.

FIG. 5 illustrates a system 500, which shows the detailed perspective400 with the adaptable handle 12 in a rotated position. The system 500demonstrates the rotation movement of the adaptable handle 12 inrelation to the handle frame 26, the retractable shaft 31, and thewheeled luggage 10, for example. In the preferred embodiment, theadaptable handle 12, the handle shaft 42, and the ball joint 45 mayrotate 360 degrees on an axis substantially parallel to the retractableshafts 31. However, the benefits of adaptable handle 12 rotation for auser 14 may be achieved by an adaptable handle 12 which rotates lessthan 360 degrees. Accordingly, any degree of rotation may be used.

Similarly, FIG. 6 illustrates a system 600, which shows the detailedperspective 400 with the adaptable handle 12 rotated and pivoted. As insystem 500, the adaptable handle 12 may rotate to accommodate the user'shand, arm, wrist, or elbow position. Likewise, as shown in the system600, the adaptable handle 12 may pivot to similarly accommodate the user14. In the preferred embodiment, the pivot movement may allow theadaptable handle 12 to pivot 90 degrees. The pivot channel 44 of thepreferred embodiment allows the adaptable handle 12 to pivot so thehandle shaft 42 moves away from a user 14 pulling the wheeled luggage10. The limited range of pivot movement is preferred as a balance offlexibility and strength to provide for optimal comfort and control.However, the benefits of the adaptable handle 12 pivot movement for auser 14 may be achieved by an adaptable handle 12 which pivots more, orless, than 90 degrees. Alternatively, the pivot channel 44 may allow theadaptable handle 12 to pivot toward a user 14 pulling the wheeledluggage 10. In another alternative embodiment, the pivot channel mayallow the adaptable handle 12 to pivot both toward and away from a user14 pulling the luggage. Accordingly, any degree of pivot movement may beused.

The rotation and pivot movement of the adaptable handle 12 as shown insystems 500 and 600 preferably combine during transportation of thewheeled luggage 12 to provide a natural and comfortable experience for auser 14. The adaptable handle 12 may rotate or pivot to accommodate thearm, hand, wrist, or elbow position of a user. Accordingly, any degreeof rotation or pivot movement may be used with the ball joint mechanism350.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system 700, which shows a front view of anembodiment of the present invention. The wheeled luggage 10 is shownwith the retractable shafts 31 in the extended position. The dockingrecess 29 and shaft channels 32 are depicted in hidden line. Theretractable shafts 31 are attached to the handle frame 26. The handleframe 26 is connected to the ball joint assembly 33. The ball jointassembly 33 and ball joint 45 are connected to the adaptable handle 12by a ball screw 72, a washer 74, and the handle shaft 42, for example.However, any technique or device may be used to connect the ball joint45 to the adaptable handle 12. A docking recess 29 is also shown as partof the wheeled luggage 10. The docking recess 29 may allow the handleframe 26 to retract into the wheeled luggage 10, similar to theretractable shafts 31 retracting into the wheeled luggage 10.

In an alternative embodiment, the ball joint mechanism 350 may bereplaced by a cross bar mechanism 850. FIG. 8 illustrates a system 800,which shows an extended, perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention. The embodiment as shown in FIG. 8 is a cross barmechanism 850. The cross bar mechanism allows the adaptable handle 12 torotate or pivot according to the position of a user's hand, wrist, arm,or elbow, for example. The cross bar mechanism 850 utilizes a ball 840to allow the adaptable handle 12 to rotate on an axis substantiallyparallel to the retractable shafts 31 and a plurality of end caps 820 toallow the adaptable handle 12 to pivot on an axis substantiallyperpendicular to the retractable shafts 31.

The system 800 illustrates the adaptable handle 12 connected to a crossbar 810 by a ball 840, and a self tapping ball screw 845. The ball 840is encased in the cross bar 810, for example, and allows the adaptablehandle 12 to rotate freely. In the preferred embodiment, the ball 840 isnotched to permit the adaptable handle 12 to freely rotate on an axissubstantially parallel to the retractable shafts 31. Preferably, theball 840 is partially notched, as shown in FIG. 8, to restrict therotation of the adaptable handle 12. Preferably, the rotation of theadaptable handle 12 is restricted to be substantially perpendicular withthe cross bar 810. For example, the adaptable handle 12 may rotate 90degrees clockwise and 90 degrees counter-clockwise. The limited rotationprovides strength and stability to the rotation of the adaptable handle12. Alternatively, the ball 840 may be notched to allow other angles ofrotation of the adaptable handle 12, including full 360 degree rotation.Alternatively, the ball 840 does not have a notch and permits theadaptable handle 12 to freely rotate, up to 360 degrees. Accordingly,any degree of rotation may be used.

The ball cover 860 covers the opening in the cross bar 810 whichcontains the ball 840 and the self tapping ball screw 845. In thepreferred embodiment, the cross bar 810 is connected to two end caps 820by plugs 870 at the ends of the cross bar 810. The end caps 820 allowplugs 870 on the cross bar 810 to be inserted into the end caps 820. Theplugs 870 are preferably tapered to allow the plugs 870 to be insertedinto the end caps 820. The plugs 870 also preferably have a ridgeallowing the plugs 870 to lock into the end caps 820.

The end caps 820 secure the cross bar 810 to the retractable shafts 31while allowing the cross bar 810 free pivot movement along an axissubstantially perpendicular to the retractable shafts 31. In thepreferred embodiment, the pivot movement may allow the adaptable handle12 to pivot 180 degrees. The cross bar 810 of the preferred embodimentmay allow the adaptable handle 12 to pivot so the adaptable handle 12moves away from a user 14 pulling the wheeled luggage 10. The limitedrange of pivot movement is preferred as a balance of flexibility andstrength to provide for optimal comfort and control. However, thebenefits of the adaptable handle 12 pivot movement for a user 14 may beachieved by an adaptable handle 12 which pivots more, or less, than 180degrees. Alternatively, the cross bar 810 may allow the adaptable handle12 to pivot toward a user 14 pulling the wheeled luggage 10. In anotheralternative embodiment, the cross bar 810 may allow the adaptable handle12 to pivot both toward and away from a user 14 pulling the luggage.Accordingly, any degree of pivot movement may be used.

In an embodiment, the end caps 820 are secured to the retractable shafts31 by two self tapping end cap screws 830, for example. Alternatively,the end caps 820 may be part of the retractable shafts 31. Similar tothe ball joint mechanism 350, the cross bar mechanism 850 and theretractable shafts 31 may retreat into shaft channels 32 (not shown).Alternatively, both the retractable shafts 31 as well as the end caps830 may retreat into shaft channels 32. Moreover, the adaptable handle12 may pivot to fit between the two retractable shafts 31 and retreatinto the docking recess 29. Alternatively, the adaptable handle 12 maylay substantially flush with the exterior of the upper end 24 of thewheeled luggage 10. The adaptable handle 12 may pivot, for example, tolay substantially flush with the exterior of the upper end 24 of thewheeled luggage 10.

In an alternative embodiment, rotational movement of the adaptablehandle 12 may be facilitated by a fitted plug 905 instead of the ball840, and other associated elements. FIG. 9 shows the adaptable handle12, the fitted plug 905, and a modified cross bar 910. The fitted plug905 may be part of the adaptable handle 12, as shown in FIG. 9.Alternatively, the fitted plug 905 may be a separate piece from theadaptable handle 12 and may be attached to the adaptable handle 12 via ascrew mechanism, for example. The fitted plug 905 is preferably taperedto allow the fitted plug 905 to be inserted into a hole 915 in themodified cross bar 910. The fitted plug 905 also preferably has a ridge920 allowing the fitted plug 905 to lock into the modified cross bar 910upon inserting the fitted plug 905 into the hole 915. The modified crossbar 910 may have similar features as cross bar 810. However, the hole915 of the modified cross bar 910 may have appropriate dimensions toreceive the fitted plug 905. The hole 915 of the modified cross bar 910also may have appropriate dimensions to lock the fitted plug 905 and theadaptable handle 12 to the modified cross bar 910. When the fitted plug905 is locked in the modified cross bar 910, the mechanism permits full360 degree rotation of the adaptable handle 12.

In an alternative embodiment, a modified cross bar 1010 may be connectedto modified end caps 1020 by a circular plug attachment 1040 and a selftapping screw 1030. FIG. 10 shows the modified cross bar 1010, themodified end caps 1020, and the self tapping screw 1030, and circularplug attachment 1040. The modified cross bar 1010 is similar to thecross bar 810 and modified cross bar 910 except that the ends ofmodified cross bar 1010, which may be inserted into the modified endcaps 1020, have fittings capable of receiving the self tapping screw1030 and the modified end caps 1020 are capable of receiving thecircular plug attachments 1040. The self tapping screw 1030 may have acircular plug attachment 1040 which houses a portion of the self tappingscrew 1030. The modified end caps 1020 have a first side capable ofreceiving the self tapping screw 1030 as well as the circular plugattachment 1040. The modified end caps 1020 have a second side capableof receiving the end of the modified cross bar 1010.

Together, the circular plug attachment 1040 and the self tapping screw1030 may be inserted into the first side of the modified end cap 1030and the end of the modified cross bar 1010 may be inserted into thesecond side of the modified end cap 1020. The self tapping screw 1030may be screwed into said modified cross bar 1010, fastening the circularplug attachment 1040 and the modified cross bar 1010 within the modifiedend caps 1020. FIG. 11 illustrates the circular plug attachment 1040 andthe self tapping screw 1030 connected to the modified cross bar 1010through the modified end cap 1020.

FIG. 12 illustrates a system 1200 as an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 12 illustrates similar features as previous embodiments,except the modified cross bar 1010 is shown connected to the modifiedend caps 1020 by the circular plug attachment 1040 and self tappingscrew 1030. The handle 12 is also shown connected to the modified crossbar 1010 by a circular plug attachment 1040 and self tapping screw 1030.

Multiple techniques in connecting the cross bar to the end caps, and thecross bar to the adaptable handle have been described above. It shouldbe noted that any combination of these techniques may be combined toutilize various embodiments of the invention. For example, the handlemay be connected to the cross bar by a plug, and the cross bar connectedto the end caps by a circular plug assembly, or vice versa. As anotherexample, the handle may be connected to the cross bar by a ballassembly, whereas the cross bar may be fastened to the end caps by acircular plug attachment. Accordingly, any technique for fastening thevarious components of an embodiment together may be used. Moreover, anytechnique which allows a luggage handle to rotate or pivot may be used.

FIG. 13 illustrates a system 1300 as an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in whichthe retractable shafts 31 corner at approximately a 90-degree angle andmay be inserted into a cross bar. Alternatively, the cross bar 1310 maybe inserted into the retractable shafts 31. In the embodiment show inFIG. 13, the retractable shafts 31 are cornered at approximately a 90degree angle and are inserted into cross bar 1310. The cross bar 1310may pivot around the retractable shafts 31, allowing the handle pivotmovement similar to previous embodiments. As shown in FIG. 13, the crossbar 1310 may have slots, shown as slot 1335 and 1345. The slots 1335 and1345 each accommodates a roll pin 1338 and 1348 respectively. The rollpins 1338 and 1348 may be inserted into the slots and through a portionof the retractable shafts 31. The slots 1335 and 1345 and roll pins 1338and 1348 may restrict the pivot movement of the cross bar 1310, forexample restrict the pivot movement to approximately 180 degrees.

The handle assembly 1360 may be attached to the cross bar 1310 through ahole approximately centered in the cross bar 1310. The handle assembly1360 may be attached in a similar manner as previous embodimentsallowing the handle assembly 1360 to rotate, for example rotate 360degrees. As shown in FIG. 13, the handle assembly 1360 is attached tothe cross bar 1310 using a shoulder bolt 1362.

FIG. 14 illustrates the cross bar 1310 separated from the remainder ofthe components. The slots 1335 and 1345 are shown as well as the hole1450 approximately in the center in the cross bar 1310. In anembodiment, the hole 1450 permits rotation of the handle assembly 1360.

FIG. 15 illustrates a transparent view of the cross bar 1310, theretractable shafts 31, the shoulder screw 1362, the slots 1335 and 1345,and the respective roll pins 1338 and 1348. The retractable shafts 31are shown inserted into the cross bar 1310. In the example of FIG. 15,the retractable shafts 31 do not extend the entire length of the crossbar 1310. The retractable shafts 31 extend beyond the slots 1335 and1345, respectively, but do not extend to the hole 1450. The hole 1450and shoulder screw 1362 are shown for connection to the handle assembly1360. The cross bar 1310 may pivot around the retractable shafts 31.

The slots 1335 and 1345 and the roll pins 1338 and 1348 may restrict thepivot movement of the cross bar 1310. Roll pins 1338 and 1348 may beinserted into holes in retractable shafts 31 to lock the retractableshafts 31 into the cross bar 1310 and to restrict the pivot movement ofthe cross bar 1310, for example restrict pivot movement approximately180 degrees.

FIG. 16 illustrates the handle assembly 1360. The handle assembly 1360may include two U bars 1620 and 1630 that may be inserted into twohandle assembly cross bars 1650 and 1660. Alternatively, the handleassembly cross bars 1650 and 1660 may be inserted into the two U bars1620 and 1630. The U bars 1620 and 1630 may be constructed of metal,plastic or other material for connecting the two crossbars 1650 and1660. The handle assembly cross bars 1650 and 1660 may be secured to theU bars 1620 and 1630. For example the handle assembly cross bars 1650and 1660 may be secured to the U bars 1620 and 1630 by a screw or rollpin assembly.

While the invention has been described with reference to certainembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include allembodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1) A system for transporting wheeled luggage using an adaptable handle,said system comprising: a first retractable shaft having a first end anda second end, said first end being attached to said wheeled luggage; asecond retractable shaft having a first end and a second end, said firstend being attached to said wheeled luggage; and a cross bar, said crossbar being pivotably connected to the second end of said firstretractable shaft and the second end of said second retractable shaft. ahandle assembly, said handle assembly being rotatably connected to thecross bar for allowing the adaptable handle to rotate. 2) The system ofclaim 1, wherein said cross bar is pivotably connected to the second endof said first retractable shaft by inserting the second end of saidfirst retractable shaft into a first end of said cross bar, and saidcross bar is pivotably connected to the second end of said secondretractable shaft by inserting the second end of said second retractableshaft into a second end of said cross bar. 3) The system of claim 1,wherein said cross bar is pivotably connected to the second end of saidfirst retractable shaft by inserting a first end of said cross bar intothe second end of said first retractable shaft, and said cross bar ispivotably connected to the second end of said second retractable shaftby inserting a second end of said cross bar into the second end of saidsecond retractable shaft. 4) The system of claim 1, wherein said crossbar has a plurality of pivot slots. 5) The system of claim 4, furthercomprising a plurality of roll pins passing through said pivot slots andsaid retractable shafts to restrict said pivot movement of saidadaptable handle to less than 360 degrees. 6) The system of claim 5,wherein in said pivot movement is restricted to approximately 180degrees. 7) The system of claim 1, wherein said handle assembly isrotatably connected to said cross bar by a shoulder screw. 8) The systemof claim 1, wherein said handle assembly comprises two U bars beingpartially inserted into a plurality of handle assembly cross bars. 9) Asystem for transporting wheeled luggage using an adaptable handle, saidsystem comprising: a cross bar for allowing the adaptable handle topivot, said cross bar having a first end and a second end; a firstretractable shaft, a portion of said first retractable shaft beinginserted into said first end of said cross bar; a second retractableshaft, a portion of said second retractable shaft inserted into saidsecond end of said cross bar; and a handle assembly, said handleassembly being rotatably connected to the cross bar for allowing theadaptable handle to rotate. 10) The system of claim 9, wherein saidcross bar has a plurality of pivot slots. 11) The system of claim 10,further comprising a plurality of roll pins passing through said pivotslots and said retractable shafts to restrict said pivot movement ofsaid adaptable handle to less than 360 degrees. 12) The system of claim11, wherein in said pivot movement is restricted to approximately 180degrees. 13) The system of claim 9, wherein said handle assembly isrotatably connected to said cross bar by a shoulder screw. 14) Thesystem of claim 9, wherein said handle assembly comprises two U barsbeing partially inserted into a plurality of handle assembly cross bars.15) A system for transporting wheeled luggage using an adaptable handle,said system comprising: a first retractable shaft having a first end anda second end, said first end being attached to said wheeled luggage; asecond retractable shaft having a first end and a second end, said firstend being attached to said wheeled luggage; and a cross bar, said crossbar being pivotably connected to the second end of said firstretractable shaft and the second end of said second retractable shaft,said connection allowing pivot movement of said adaptable handle. 16)The system of claim 15, further comprising a handle assembly, saidhandle assembly being rotatably connected to the cross bar for allowingthe adaptable handle to rotate. 17) The system of claim 15, wherein saidcross bar has a plurality of pivot slots. 18) The system of claim 17,further comprising a plurality of roll pins passing through said pivotslots and said retractable shafts to restrict said pivot movement ofsaid adaptable handle to less than 360 degrees. 19) The system of claim18, wherein in said pivot movement is restricted to approximately 180degrees. 20) The system of claim 15, wherein said handle assembly isrotatably connected to said cross bar by a shoulder screw.